On Saturday, I completed my CrossFit Foundation Course. Two hours of delving into the unknown – from Olympic lifts to correctly squatting. Many, many squats actually, my legs only stopped burning on Tuesday. In a good deep way though, the kind of pain you can almost feel drawing sleek lines and banishing wobble.
This week has been super busy so I was only able to get back to the box last night for my first full CrossFit class.
I had a manic day and felt shattered when I got home but was determined not to miss out so downed a cup of coffee along with a Pulsin’ Energy Bomb, flapjack bite and two gingerbread men (the last parts may not be an approved pre-workout snack).
To say I was anything but terrified would be wrong. The nerves were hardly quelled when I arrived to see the last class – the competitors level – finishing.
Oh and the WOD (Nasty Girls) was a little scary too.
But then I started talking to other people waiting. There were two other girls and they were so welcoming, supportive and put me (almost) at ease.
We warmed up before practising the hang power cleans – something I really struggle with as the aim is to use the legs to power through, I see to simply use my arms instead. The two instructors kept coming back and helping me out, reminding me to keep my core tight, elbows out and move my head in and out with the bar.
The girls then joined up with me to practise shoulder presses. As regular readers will know, my lifting experience is very limited. We did one lift each, adding more weight each time. My maximum was 22.5kg, which I’m proud of! It was funny how my arms said a firm “no” to any more weight or reps.
Then it was time for the WOD. 50 squats, 12 chest to bar pull ups with a green band (my modification) and 10 hang power cleans. I kept my bar at 12.5kg as I haven’t mastered the lift. Times three, for time.
The music came on and there was a 10 second countdown before the clock started. Boom of adrenaline and I was off.
My thoughts went like this.
R1
Squats – “This isn’t too bad, go powerhouse legs!”
C2B – “Whee this is like being on the monkey bars” after 5 more “ok this is actually bloody tough”
Press – “Why can’t my brain get this?”
R2
Squats – “The legs, the little legs”
C2B – “Hello jelly arms” I had to restart myself a few times by jumping off the box for momentum
Press – “Let’s get this right, push through the hips”
R3
Squats – “Just 50 more squats. Push through the burn. Then no more squats for a while. Ok, no more squats for ages”
C2B – “You CAN do this, come ON Claire” (I kept repeating this to myself)
Press – “Ten of these then you’re done. Let’s nail this thing”.
Suddenly, it was over. With a big high-five from the coach as he pointed out my time, 10.38.
My thoughts then: “I’ve done it! My first ever WOD! I am bloody AWESOME!”. I could not stop smiling.
The group started cheering on those who had not yet finished. I joined in – they might have been doing it on their own but they felt part of a team I belonged to.
After everyone was done, we wrote our times and weights on the board.
Do you know what? I don’t care that my weight is the lightest. I’m so damn proud of myself.
I dragged myself to that class with heaps of caffeine, sugar and James walking me out the door.
And I’m so glad I did.
(Even if it was so cold that I wore two technical long sleeve tops, a hoodie, a fleece and a jacket).
When I returned home I was buzzing like crazy. Dinner was the best tasting thing, like ever.
Grilled salmon covered in sweet chilli sauce with spinach, tomatoes, cucumber and half an avocado with an olive oil and balsamic dressing.
I then started inhaling spoons of almond and cashew butter so decided to make an occasion of it. Ladies and gentlemen I give you…
Melty-Melty Cherry Cashew and Cacao Delight
Serves One
A handful of frozen cherries
A tablespoon of cashew butter (or two)
Cacao nibs to sprinkle on top
Method
* Chuck cherries and cashew butter into a small bowl (I used a Le Crueset ramekin)
* Fill a bigger bowl with hot water and place the ramekin inside to make a bain-marie
* Stir the cherries and cashew butter together until the cherries have defrosted and the cashew butter is lovely and melty
* Top with a scattering of cacao nibs
* Stir all together and enjoy with a hot cup of herbal tea (optional but the slightly cold cherries plus hot drink is a great combo)
Until next time, CrossFit.
